Eye-tracking tech helps new student shine at school

This year, eight-year-old Denys is going to school for the first time, thanks to a special device provided by UNICEF.

Denys lives with multiple complex developmental disorder, which impairs his ability to walk and talk. His new eye-tracker will help him to communicate with his parents and peers, and to study in class.

"We had to figure something out with Denys' adaptation so that he could communicate not only with me, but other people as well," says Natalia, Denys' mother. "I was looking for a device which Denys could use both in school and daily life."

"Denys has quickly realized how to use the eye-tracker,” she continues. “He likes to communicate, he can also write what he needs exactly at the moment, so we don't need to ask him numerous questions."

As well as helping Denys with communication and studying, the eye-tracker also includes a library of educational games that he enjoys playing.

"For me, the main thing is to see that children around perceive him as a friend and classmate first, not like a child with some disabilities”

In his first ever lesson at school, Denys read a poem with the help of the eye-tracker.

Natalia hopes that the device will help Denys to not only study in school but also enroll in university in the future.

"By our example, we want to show that children like Denys can adapt to society”

Ensuring access to education for all children, especially during wartime, is one of UNICEF's main priorities.